The intentional home

At a recent event (hosted by label maker brand Brother) exploring The Psychology of Home Organization, family therapist turned interior designer and best-selling author Anita Yokota shared a perspective about intentional design that hit home– literally.

She revealed that how we arrange our physical environment impacts how we think, feel and connect – with ourselves and others. It was one of those Oprah a-ha moments.

After all, our homes have become so much more than where we live and entertain – they are now our offices, gyms, sanctuaries and emotional support stations.

Yokota emphasized that intentional design is no longer a luxury; it’s a form of self-care. “Your home is the most honest mirror of your inner life,” she says. “Designing with intention means rewriting the emotional blueprint we live within.” Powerful right?

This idea –of living with design that supports the whole self– is gaining momentum. Interior designer Jessica Cinnamon of Jessica Cinnamon Design agrees, “From mental health to physical comfort, homeowners are looking for more than aesthetics; they want spaces that actively help them feel calm, focused and restored.”

Cinnamon incorporates wellness into her design process from day one. “It means considering every sensory and spatial detail from natural light and ventilation to calming colour palettes and layout flow,” she explains.

That power, she adds, is amplified when biophilic elements such as wood, stone, plants and sunlight are integrated, creating a deeper connection between indoor spaces and the natural world.

Yokota takes a similarly holistic approach, guiding clients to consider their emotional, physical, and psychological needs simultaneously. “I always ask, not just ‘How do you want to feel in this room?’ but also ‘How do you want the relationship in this space to feel, even the one you have with yourself?’” This kind of self-reflection lays the foundation for spaces that are truly tailored to the people who live in them.

Of course, meaningful change doesn’t require a full renovation. In fact, Yokota believes that transformation begins with small, thoughtful shifts. “Many homeowners live with constant micro-stress caused by visual noise,” she says.

“Think of front entries cluttered with shoes and bags, mismatched storage bins, or furniture that blocks natural movement through a room. That chaos, whether we consciously register it or not, keeps our nervous system on high alert.”

The solution? Containment paired with softness. “Use closed storage to contain visual clutter but balance that function with softness such as woven baskets, textured fabrics, warm lighting, and meaningful art,” Yokota suggests. When storage systems are supported by visual warmth, space doesn’t just feel tidy; it feels alive.

One of Yokota’s favourite tools to restore flow in high-use areas such as a kitchen, entryway and office is the Brother P-touch label maker. “When items are clearly labelled, your brain stops scanning and starts focusing,” she says. “It’s a subtle change that helps create clarity and supports day-to-day rhythm.” Creating intentional systems also helps everyone in the household stay on the same page.

Yokota recommends designated drop zones, family message boards or colour-coded bins to reinforce routines. “But don’t forget the heart,” she adds. “Layer in personal touches such as family photos or your child’s artwork. Calm isn’t about minimalism; it’s about meaning. When a space has both structure and soul, everyone thrives.”

Cinnamon agrees that function and family go hand in hand. “I focus on creating spaces that are efficient, resilient, and easy to live in,” she says. “That means maximizing storage, choosing durable, easy-to-clean materials, and incorporating multifunctional furniture that adapts as life changes.”

Before making any major changes, Yokota suggests taking an “emotional inventory.” Ask yourself: What kind of energy exists in this space right now? Is it chaotic, stagnant, or rushed? Or maybe there’s warmth, but only in some areas.

Then consider what you want to feel instead. Do you crave more ease in the morning, more connection around the table, and more inspiration at your desk? “Let the answer guide your next step,” she says. “That’s your design cue.”

Often, it’s the smallest adjustments that create the most impact. Crack a window for fresh air. Shift furniture to open the flow. Remove items that feel heavy with old energy. Bring in light where it’s missing.

Play music to shift the mood. “These micro-edits act like energetic acupuncture,” says Yokota. “They signal to your body and mind that something new is possible and that you’re in control of the energy you live with.”

Both designers agree: the goal isn’t perfection– it’s alignment. “And alignment starts when you give yourself permission to notice, feel, and gently shift what no longer serves you,” concludes Yokota.

After all, when your space reflects your values, habits follow, that is where real transformation begins at home and intention flourishes.